Non-invasive study of the dyes and pigments in the Chinese woodblock New Year paintings

Abstract

Woodblock New Year painting is a traditional Chinese folk art that flourished during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These paintings feature a wide variety of colors, particularly after the introduction of synthetic colorants from Europe in the late 19th century. The scientific identification of dyes and pigments used in these paintings can provide valuable insights into the socio-historical context of the time. However, the history of materials used in the printing of New Year paintings is still lacking adequate information. In this study, we employed a combination of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, including Macro X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), hyperspectral imaging, and Raman spectroscopy to identify the dyes and pigments used in two Yangliuqing New Year paintings. Our analysis revealed the presence of both traditional pigments and synthetic colorants, such as vermilion, Prussian blue, and methyl/crystal violet. We also discovered several color-matching techniques used to create light pink, light orange, and dark purple hues. These findings suggest that synthetic colorants were gradually replacing traditional pigments in China due to the growth of global trade at that time. Furthermore, our research provides valuable information for the conservation, preservation, and display of New Year paintings.